U.S. patent application number 16/083423 was filed with the patent office on 2019-08-08 for electric component mounting unit for air-conditioned garment, and air-conditioned garment.
This patent application is currently assigned to SFT LABORATORY CO., LTD.. The applicant listed for this patent is SFT LABORATORY CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Hiroshi ICHIGAYA, Yohei OKI, Chongshi ZHANG.
Application Number | 20190239578 16/083423 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 59790552 |
Filed Date | 2019-08-08 |
![](/patent/app/20190239578/US20190239578A1-20190808-D00000.png)
![](/patent/app/20190239578/US20190239578A1-20190808-D00001.png)
![](/patent/app/20190239578/US20190239578A1-20190808-D00002.png)
![](/patent/app/20190239578/US20190239578A1-20190808-D00003.png)
![](/patent/app/20190239578/US20190239578A1-20190808-D00004.png)
![](/patent/app/20190239578/US20190239578A1-20190808-D00005.png)
![](/patent/app/20190239578/US20190239578A1-20190808-D00006.png)
![](/patent/app/20190239578/US20190239578A1-20190808-D00007.png)
![](/patent/app/20190239578/US20190239578A1-20190808-D00008.png)
![](/patent/app/20190239578/US20190239578A1-20190808-D00009.png)
![](/patent/app/20190239578/US20190239578A1-20190808-D00010.png)
View All Diagrams
United States Patent
Application |
20190239578 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ICHIGAYA; Hiroshi ; et
al. |
August 8, 2019 |
ELECTRIC COMPONENT MOUNTING UNIT FOR AIR-CONDITIONED GARMENT, AND
AIR-CONDITIONED GARMENT
Abstract
An electric component mounting unit for an air-conditioned
garment, which is used in combination with a garment body having a
fan opening and which is mounted on a body, includes a fan which
takes air from outside into the garment body, a mounter which
mounts the fan on the body, and a fan attacher which attaches the
fan to the mounter. The fan includes a fan-side linker which links
the fan with the fan opening.
Inventors: |
ICHIGAYA; Hiroshi;
(Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, JP) ; OKI; Yohei;
(Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, JP) ; ZHANG; Chongshi;
(Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SFT LABORATORY CO., LTD. |
Itabashi-ku, Tokyo |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
SFT LABORATORY CO., LTD.
Itabashi-ku, Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
59790552 |
Appl. No.: |
16/083423 |
Filed: |
March 8, 2017 |
PCT Filed: |
March 8, 2017 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2017/009179 |
371 Date: |
September 7, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 13/002 20130101;
A41D 13/0025 20130101; F24F 2221/12 20130101; F24F 1/04 20130101;
A41D 13/005 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A41D 13/005 20060101
A41D013/005; A41D 13/002 20060101 A41D013/002 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 9, 2016 |
JP |
2016-045100 |
May 18, 2016 |
JP |
2016-099407 |
Jan 19, 2017 |
JP |
2017-007146 |
Claims
1-25. (canceled)
26. An electric component mounting unit for an air-conditioned
garment, the electric component mounting unit being configured to
be used in combination with a garment body having a stretchable fan
opening, the electric component mounting unit being configured to
be worn around a body, and the electric component mounting unit
comprising: a fan which takes air from outside into the garment
body; a power supply and a power cable which supply electric power
to the fan; and a mounter which mounts the fan, the power supply,
and the power cable on the body; wherein: the fan comprises a
fan-side linker which links the fan with the fan opening, the fan
comprises a fan body and a cover which houses the fan body, the
fan-side linker comprises a cylindrical linker formed at the cover,
the electric component mounting unit further comprises an upper
flange at an air inlet-side of the cylindrical linker and a lower
flange at an air outlet-side of the upper flange, an outer diameter
of the upper flange is smaller than an outer diameter of the lower
flange, and an opening edge of the garment body having the fan
opening is to be fitted in a groove between the upper flange and
the lower flange.
27. An electric component mounting unit for an air-conditioned
garment, the electric component mounting unit being configured to
be used in combination with a garment body having a fan opening,
the electric component mounting unit being configured to be mounted
on a body, and the electric component mounting unit comprising: a
fan which takes air from outside into the garment body; a mounter
which mounts the fan on the body; a fan attacher which attaches the
fan to the mounter; a power supply which supplies electric power to
the fan; and a movable means which makes the fan movable in a
longitudinal direction of the mounter when the fan is attached to
the mounter, wherein the fan comprises a cylindrical linker which
links the fan with the fan opening.
28. The electric component mounting unit for an air-conditioned
garment according to claim 27, wherein: the electric component
mounting unit comprises two fans, and the two fans are attached to
the fan attacher so as to be positioned at right and left portions
on a front side of the body.
29. The electric component mounting unit for an air-conditioned
garment according to claim 26, wherein the garment body is a
front-open garment which comprises a fastener for opening and
closing right and left front parts, and wherein ends of the mounter
are configured to be attached respectively to the right and left
front parts, so that the garment body serves as a part of the
mounter and the fastener serves as a connector of the mounter.
30. An electric component mounting unit for an air-conditioned
garment, the electric component mounting unit being configured to
be used in combination with a garment body having a fan opening,
the electric component mounting unit being configured to be worn
around a body, and the electric component mounting unit comprising:
a fan which takes air from outside into the garment body; a power
supply and a power cable which supply electric power to the fan; a
mounter which mounts the fan, the power supply, and the power cable
on the body; and a movable means which makes the fan movable in a
longitudinal direction of the mounter when the fan is attached to
the mounter, wherein: the fan comprises a fan-side linker which
links the fan with the fan opening, the fan comprises a fan body
and a cover which houses the fan body, the fan-side linker
comprises a cylindrical linker formed at the cover, the electric
component mounting unit further comprises an upper flange at an air
inlet-side of the cylindrical linker and a lower flange at an air
outlet-side of the upper flange, and an opening edge of the garment
body having the fan opening is to be fitted in a groove between the
upper flange and the lower flange.
31. An electric component mounting unit for an air-conditioned
garment, the electric component mounting unit being configured to
be used in combination with a garment body having a fan opening,
the electric component mounting unit being configured to be worn
around a body, and the electric component mounting unit comprising:
a fan which takes air from outside into the garment body; a power
supply and a power cable which supply electric power to the fan;
and a mounter which mounts the fan, the power supply, and the power
cable on the body; wherein: the fan comprises a fan-side linker
which links the fan with the fan opening, the fan comprises a fan
body and a cover which houses the fan body, the fan-side linker
comprises a cylindrical linker formed at the cover, the electric
component mounting unit further comprises an upper flange at an air
inlet-side of the cylindrical linker and a lower flange at an air
outlet-side of the upper flange, an opening edge of the garment
body having the fan opening is to be fitted in a groove between the
upper flange and the lower flange, and the fan, the power cable,
and the power supply are linked to each other to serve as a part of
the mounter.
32. An electric component mounting unit for an air-conditioned
garment, the electric component mounting unit being configured to
be used in combination with a garment body having a stretchable fan
opening, the electric component mounting unit being configured to
be mounted on a body, and the electric component mounting unit
comprising: a unit which comprises: a fan which takes air from
outside into the garment body; and a power supply which supplies
electric power to the fan; and a back belt which is used to wear
the unit on a back, wherein: the fan comprises a cylindrical linker
which links the fan with the fan opening, the electric component
mounting unit further comprises an upper flange at an air
inlet-side of the cylindrical linker and a lower flange at an air
outlet-side of the upper flange, an outer diameter of the upper
flange is smaller than an outer diameter of the lower flange, and
an opening edge of the garment body having the fan opening is to be
fitted between the upper flange and the lower flange.
33. The electric component mounting unit for an air-conditioned
garment according to claim 32, wherein: the fan includes a
cylindrical portion, and the power supply is placed substantially
along a surface of the cylindrical portion of the fan so as not to
interrupt air flow from an air outlet.
34. The electric component mounting unit for an air-conditioned
garment according to claim 32, wherein the power supply comprises:
a container which has a rectangular frame shape and into which the
fan is inserted; and a battery disposed in the container.
35. The electric component mounting unit for an air-conditioned
garment according to claim 32, wherein: the electric component
mounting unit has a single fan, and in the unit, a motor and the
power supply are contained in a hermetic container.
36. The electric component mounting unit for an air-conditioned
garment according to claim 32, wherein the unit comprises: an
electric component mounting plate to be mounted on the back; and a
fan attacher which detachably fixes the fan on the electric
component mounting plate.
37. The electric component mounting unit for an air-conditioned
garment according to claim 32, further comprising: an air improver
which is disposed around an air inlet of the fan and which removes
a harmful substance to a human body from air that has been or is to
be taken in from the outside, adds a useful substance to the human
body to the air, or cools the air, or a functional space for
removing dust.
38. The electric component mounting unit for an air-conditioned
garment according to claim 32, further comprising: a solar panel,
wherein the power supply comprises a power storage for storing or
utilizing electricity generated by the solar panel.
39. The electric component mounting unit for an air-conditioned
garment according to claim 32, further comprising: a communicator
which communicates with an external apparatus; and a controller
which controls the communicator to control ON/OFF of the power
supply and/or a rotation speed of the fan based on an instruction
received from the external apparatus.
40. The electric component mounting unit for an air-conditioned
garment according claim 26, further comprising: a measurer which
measures vital information; and a controller which controls ON/OFF
of the power supply and/or a rotation speed of the fan based on a
measurement result of the measurer.
41. The electric component mounting unit for an air-conditioned
garment according to claim 40, further comprising: a communicator
which communicates with an external apparatus, wherein the
controller controls the communicator to send the measurement result
of the measurer to the external apparatus.
42. An air-conditioned garment comprising: the electric component
mounting unit for an air-conditioned garment according to claim 26;
and the garment body, which is made of a sheet material having the
fan opening and which is designed to cover at least a part of the
body, wherein the cylindrical linker of the fan is fitted in the
fan opening.
43. An air-conditioned garment, comprising: the electric component
mounting unit for an air-conditioned garment according to claim 26;
and the garment body, which is made of a sheet material having the
fan opening and which is designed to cover at least a part of the
body, wherein the fan is disposed at a front part of the garment
body, and a spacer is disposed between a back part of the garment
body and the body.
44. An air-conditioned garment, comprising: the electric component
mounting unit for an air-conditioned garment according to claim 29;
and the garment body, which is made of a sheet material having the
fan opening and which is designed to cover at least a part of the
body, wherein both ends of the mounter of the electric component
mounting unit are attached near the fastener of the garment body,
and the electric component mounting unit is mounted on the body by
changing a state of the fastener from an opened state to a closed
state.
45. The air-conditioned garment according to claim 42, wherein the
garment body is made of a plastic film.
46. The air-conditioned garment according to claim 42, wherein: the
garment body comprises an air discharging portion, and the air
discharging portion comprises a discharge resistance adjuster which
adjusts a discharge resistance of air to be discharged.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to an electric component
mounting unit for air-conditioned garment that is used with
air-conditioned garment for cooling the body and to air-conditioned
garment.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] In recent years, air-conditioned garment for cooling the
body has been put into practice and has been rapidly becoming
common. As illustrated in FIG. 35A and FIG. 35B, a conventional
air-conditioned garment 101 includes a garment body 110 sewn with a
material that does not breathe well, two fans 140, 140 attached at
a lower back part of the garment body 110, a power supply (not
shown) for supplying electric power to the two fans 140, 140 and
power cables (not shown) for electrically connecting the power
supply with the two fans 140, 140.
[0003] When the fans 140 are turned on, a large amount of air is
taken into the garment body 110 through the fans 140. The pressure
of the taken air automatically forms an air pathway between the
garment body 110 and the body or an underwear, and the taken air
flows upward in the formed air pathway along the surface of the
body or underwear and is discharged to the outside, for example,
through a neck opening or sleeve openings. The neck opening and
sleeve openings serve as air discharging portions 130.
[0004] The air evaporates sweat from the body while flowing in the
air pathway between the garment body 110 and the body or underwear,
and the body is cooled by the heat of vaporization (e.g. see Patent
Document 1).
[0005] Such conventional air-conditioned garment 101 is designed in
various ways so that it can bear the weight of the fans 140 and
that the fans 140 do not come off from the garment body 110 even
when the fans 140 are subjected to a pressure in different
directions.
[0006] For example, a garment body 110 of typical air-conditioned
garment 101 is made of a fabric material. The fans 140 easily come
off by a small force since such fabric is stretchable. To avoid
this, attaching holes for the fans 140 are specially processed. For
example, a plastic reinforcing plate is sewn on the fabric so that
the fabric is not teared by the weight of the fans 140 and can
securely fix the fans 140.
PRIOR ART DOCUMENT
Patent Document
[0007] Patent Document 1: WO 2005/063065A
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
Problem to be Solved by Invention
[0008] However, a problem with the conventional air-conditioned
garment 101 is that some additional labor is required in the
production thereof since the special attaching holes for attaching
the fans 140 have to be formed in the garment body 110 of the
air-conditioned garment. Another problem is that it is impossible
to completely prevent the electric components from coming off since
the fans 140 and a power supply are attached to the garment.
[0009] Yet another problem is that the air-conditioned garment 101
is heavy in total since the fans 140 are attached to the garment
body 110. Further, the vicinity of the attaching holes for the fans
140 billows due to positive pressure that is generated by taking in
the outside air, which may sometimes disturb a work.
[0010] Furthermore, there are following various problems since the
fans 140 are attached to the garment body 110, i.e. the fans 140
are suspended by the garment body 110.
[0011] 1. When the body turns, the fans 140 further get away from
the body due to a centrifugal force, which increases the
probability of collision with the surroundings.
[0012] 2. When the fans 140 are subjected to an external force in
different directions (e.g. when the fans 140 collide with an object
or the user jumps), the fans 140 and the internal components
thereof are subjected to an impact. The fans 140 have to have a
robust structure that can withstand such impact. In particular,
when fitting of a fan blade (propeller) on a motor shaft is
tightened so that the fan blade does not come off by an impact, a
motor bearing is deformed in the process of press-fitting the motor
shaft into the fan blade, which becomes a cause of noise.
[0013] 3. When the fan blade is rotated, the unbalance or the like
of the fan blade causes vibration. While the vibration has a
negative influence on the lifetime of the motor and generates
noise, it is not easy to take a measure such as absorbing the noise
since the fans are suspended.
[0014] It is an object of the present invention to provide an
electric component mounting unit for air-conditioned garment and
air-conditioned garment in which an electric component is prevented
from coming off and which enables readily attaching a fan without
making a special attaching hole in a garment body of
air-conditioned garment.
Means for Solving Problem
[0015] In order to accomplish the object, the invention according
to claim 1 is an electric component mounting unit for
air-conditioned garment which is used in combination with a garment
body having a fan opening and which is mounted on a body,
including:
[0016] a fan which takes air from an outside into the garment
body;
[0017] a mounter which mounts the fan on the body; and
[0018] a fan attacher which attaches the fan to the mounter,
[0019] wherein the fan comprises a fan-side linker which links the
fan with the fan opening.
[0020] The invention according to claim 2 is the electric component
mounting unit for air-conditioned garment according to claim 1,
[0021] wherein the fan comprises a fan body and a cover which
houses the fan body, and
[0022] wherein the fan-side linker comprises a cylindrical linker
formed at the cover.
[0023] The invention according to claim 3 is the electric component
mounting unit for air-conditioned garment according to claim 2,
further including:
[0024] an upper flange at an air inlet-side of the cylindrical
linker; and
[0025] a lower flange at an air outlet-side of the upper
flange,
[0026] wherein an opening edge of the garment body having the fan
opening is to be fitted in a groove between the upper flange and
the lower flange.
[0027] The invention according to claim 4 is the electric component
mounting unit for air-conditioned garment according to any one of
claims 1 to 3, wherein the mounter comprises a belt that is
constituted by a cord, a band or a combination of a cord and a
band.
[0028] The invention according to claim 5 is the electric component
mounting unit for air-conditioned garment according to claim 4,
wherein the mounter is partly or fully elastic or comprises a
length adjuster.
[0029] The invention according to claim 6 is the electric component
mounting unit for air-conditioned garment according to claim 4 or
5,
[0030] wherein the garment body is constituted by a front-open
garment which comprises a fastener for opening and closing right
and left front parts, and
[0031] wherein ends of the mounter are attached respectively to the
right and left front parts, so that the garment body serves as a
part of the mounter and that the fastener serves as a connector of
the mounter.
[0032] The invention according to claim 7 is the electric component
mounting unit for air-conditioned garment according to any one of
claims 4 to 6, wherein the fan comprises two fans, and the two fans
are connected by a power cable.
[0033] The invention according to claim 8 is the electric component
mounting unit for air-conditioned garment according to any one of
claims 4 to 7, wherein the fan attacher is detachably attached to
the mounter.
[0034] The invention according to claim 9 is the electric component
mounting unit for air-conditioned garment according to any one of
claims 4 to 8, further including:
[0035] a movable means which makes the fan movable in a
longitudinal direction of the mounter when the fan is attached to
the mounter.
[0036] The invention according to claim 10 is the electric
component mounting unit for air-conditioned garment according to
claim 3, further including:
[0037] a power supply which supplies electric power to the fan;
and
[0038] a power cable,
[0039] wherein the fan, the power cable and the power supply are
linked to each other to serve as a part of the mounter.
[0040] The invention according to claim 11 is the electric
component mounting unit for air-conditioned garment according to
any one of claims 1 to 10, further including:
[0041] a power supply which supplies electric power to the fan;
and
[0042] a power supply attacher which attaches the power supply to
the mounter.
[0043] The invention according to claim 12 is the electric
component mounting unit for air-conditioned garment according to
any one of claims 1 to 3, further including:
[0044] a unit in which the fan and a power supply for supplying
electric power to the fan are integrated.
[0045] The invention according to claim 13 is the electric
component mounting unit for air-conditioned garment according to
claim 12, wherein in the unit, a motor and a power supply is
contained in a hermetic container.
[0046] The invention according to claim 14 is the electric
component mounting unit for air-conditioned garment according to
claim 12 or 13,
[0047] wherein the unit comprises:
[0048] an electric component mounting plate to be mounted on a back
or a chest; and
[0049] a fan attacher which detachably fixes the fan on the
electric component mounting plate.
[0050] The invention according to claim 15 is the electric
component mounting unit for air-conditioned garment according to
any one of claims 12 to 14, further including:
[0051] an air improver which is disposed around an air inlet of the
fan and which removes a harmful substance to a human body from air
that has been or is to be taken in from the outside, adds a useful
substance to the human body to the air, or cools the air.
[0052] The invention according to claim 16 is the electric
component mounting unit for air-conditioned garment according to
any one of claims 1 to 15, further including:
[0053] a power supply which supplies electric power to the fan;
and
[0054] a solar panel,
[0055] wherein the power supply comprises a power storage for
storing or utilizing electricity generated by the solar panel.
[0056] The invention according to claim 17 is the electric
component mounting unit for air-conditioned garment according to
any one of claims 1 to 16, further including:
[0057] a power supply which supplies electric power to the fan;
[0058] a communicator which communicates with an external
apparatus; and
[0059] a controller which controls the communicator to control
ON/OFF of the power supply and/or a rotation speed of the fan based
on an instruction received from the external apparatus.
[0060] The invention according to claim 18 is the electric
component mounting unit for air-conditioned garment according to
any one of claims 1 to 17, further including:
[0061] a power supply which supplies electric power to the fan;
[0062] a measure which measures vital information; and
[0063] a controller which controls ON/OFF of the power supply
and/or a rotation speed of the fan based on a measurement result of
the measure.
[0064] The invention according to claim 19 is the electric
component mounting unit for air-conditioned garment according to
claim 18, further including:
[0065] a communicator which communicates with an external
apparatus,
[0066] wherein the controller controls the communicator to send the
measurement result of the measure to the external apparatus.
[0067] The invention according to claim 20 is an air-conditioned
garment including:
[0068] an electric component mounting unit for air-conditioned
garment according to any one of claims 1 to 19; and
[0069] the garment body which is made of a sheet material having
the fan opening and which is designed to cover at least a part of
the body,
[0070] wherein the cylindrical linker of the fan is fitted in the
fan opening.
[0071] The invention according to claim 21 is the air-conditioned
garment according to claim 20, wherein the garment body is
stretchable around an opening edge of the fan opening.
[0072] The invention according to claim 22 is the air-conditioned
garment according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the fan is disposed at
a front part of the garment body, and a spacer is disposed between
a back part of the garment body and the body.
[0073] The invention according to claim 23 is the air-conditioned
garment, including:
[0074] an electric component mounting unit for air-conditioned
garment according to any one of claims 4 to 10; and
[0075] the garment body which is made of a sheet material having
the fan opening and which is designed to cover at least a part of
the body,
[0076] wherein both ends of the mounter of the electric component
mounting unit for air-conditioned garment are attached near a
fastener of the garment body, and the electric component mounting
unit for air-conditioned garment is mounted on the body by changing
a state of the fastener from an opened state to a closed state.
[0077] The invention according to claim 24 is the air-conditioned
garment according to any one of claims 20 to 23, wherein the
garment body is made of a plastic film.
[0078] The invention according to claim 25 is the air-conditioned
garment according to any one of claims 20 to 24,
[0079] wherein the garment body comprises an air discharging
portion, and
[0080] wherein the air discharging portion comprises a discharge
resistance adjuster which adjusts a discharge resistance of air to
be discharged.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
[0081] With the present invention, it is possible to provide an
electric component mounting unit for air-conditioned garment and
air-conditioned garment in which an electric component is prevented
from coming off and which enables readily attaching a fan without
making a special attaching hole in a garment body of
air-conditioned garment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0082] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of an example of a fan of an
electric component mounting unit for air-conditioned garment
according to a first embodiment.
[0083] FIG. 2A is a schematic front view of an electric component
attaching belt.
[0084] FIG. 2B is a schematic front view of the electric component
attaching belt (electric component mounting unit for
air-conditioned garment) to which fans and a power supply are
attached.
[0085] FIG. 2C is a schematic side view of the electric component
attaching belt (electric component mounting unit for
air-conditioned garment) to which fans and a power supply are
attached.
[0086] FIG. 3 is a schematic front view of an example of a garment
body which is used with the electric component mounting unit for
air-conditioned garment according to the first embodiment.
[0087] FIG. 4 is a schematic side view of a fan attached to the
garment body.
[0088] FIG. 5 is a schematic front view of the garment body worn on
the body, to which the electric component mounting unit for
air-conditioned garment according to the first embodiment is
attached.
[0089] FIG. 6 is a schematic side view of another example of the
fan.
[0090] FIG. 7 is a schematic side view of the electric component
mounting unit for air-conditioned garment in a different state.
[0091] FIG. 8 is a schematic side view of the fan attached to the
garment body in a different state.
[0092] FIG. 9 is a schematic side view of a fan according to a
second embodiment.
[0093] FIG. 10 is a schematic front view of a power supply
according to the second embodiment.
[0094] FIG. 11A is a schematic view of a terminal of a power cable
and a terminal of the power supply that are not connected to each
other.
[0095] FIG. 11B is a schematic view of the terminal of the power
cable and the terminal of the power supply that are connected to
each other.
[0096] FIG. 12 is an overall front view of an air-conditioning unit
according to the second embodiment.
[0097] FIG. 13 is a schematic front view of the air-conditioning
unit mounted on the body.
[0098] FIG. 14 is a schematic view of garment worn on the body in
which fans are linked to fan openings.
[0099] FIG. 15A is a schematic front view of an example of a unit
according to a third embodiment in which a fan is integrated with a
power supply.
[0100] FIG. 15B is a schematic side view of the example Of the unit
according to the third embodiment in which the fan is integrated
with the power supply.
[0101] FIG. 16 is a schematic back view of the unit mounted on the
back.
[0102] FIG. 17 is a schematic back view of the unit mounted on the
back and a garment body worn on the body.
[0103] FIG. 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the unit
mounted on the back and the garment body worn on the body.
[0104] FIG. 19A is a schematic front view of an electric component
mounting plate, which is a mounter according to a variation.
[0105] FIG. 19B is a schematic side view of the electric component
mounting plate, which is the mounter according to the
variation.
[0106] FIG. 20 is a schematic front view of the power supply.
[0107] FIG. 21 is a schematic side view of the fan.
[0108] FIG. 22 is a schematic side view of the unit in which the
fan with the power supply is attached to the electric component
mounting plate.
[0109] FIG. 23 is a circuit diagram of the unit according to a
variation of the third embodiment.
[0110] FIG. 24A is a schematic front view of an air-conditioned
garment according to the variation worn on the body.
[0111] FIG. 24B is a schematic back view of the air-conditioned
garment according to the variation worn on the body.
[0112] FIG. 25A is a schematic side view of a unit according to a
fourth embodiment, to which an optional container is attached for
the same purpose as a filter or a water-bearing sponge.
[0113] FIG. 25B is a schematic side view of the unit to which a
rain cover is attached, which allows taking the outside air from a
lower side so that rain does not get in.
[0114] FIG. 25C is a schematic side view of the unit to which a
container for storing dry ice pellets (coolant) or the like is
attached.
[0115] FIG. 26 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the unit
according to the fourth embodiment.
[0116] FIG. 27 is a schematic front view of the water-bearing
sponge.
[0117] FIG. 28 is a schematic view of an electric component
attaching belt of an electric component mounting unit for
air-conditioned garment according to a fifth embodiment.
[0118] FIG. 29A is a schematic side view of a fan according to a
fifth embodiment.
[0119] FIG. 298 is a schematic back view of the fan according to
the fifth embodiment.
[0120] FIG. 29C is a schematic back view of the fan attached to a
belt body.
[0121] FIG. 30 is a schematic front view of the air-conditioned
garment with the front part open, to which the electric component
mounting unit for air-conditioned garment according to the fifth
embodiment is attached.
[0122] FIG. 31A illustrates an air-conditioned garment according to
a sixth embodiment, which is a schematic front view of a garment
body.
[0123] FIG. 31B illustrates the air-conditioned garment according
to the sixth embodiment, which is a schematic cross-sectional view
of the garment body worn on the body and fans attached thereto
taken in the part where the fans are attached.
[0124] FIG. 32 is a schematic side view of an example of integrated
fans and a power cable.
[0125] FIG. 33 is an explanatory view of another example of the
electric component attaching belt.
[0126] FIG. 34A is an explanatory view of an example the garment
body with half sleeves of the air-conditioned garment.
[0127] FIG. 34B is an explanatory view of an example the garment
body with long sleeves of the air-conditioned garment.
[0128] FIG. 35A is a schematic front view of an example of
conventional air-conditioned garment.
[0129] FIG. 35B is a schematic back view of the example of the
conventional air-conditioned garment.
EMBODIMENTS FOR CARRYING OUT INVENTION
EMBODIMENTS
[0130] Hereinafter embodiments for carrying out the invention of
the present application will be described referring to the
drawings. However, the scope of the invention is not limited to the
illustrated examples.
First Embodiment
[0131] The following is a case in which air-conditioned garment
with an electric component mounting unit for air-conditioned
garment of the present invention is rented for watching a game in
an un-air-conditioned sport facility. Further, the air-conditioned
garment is used as eco-friendly air-conditioned garment with a
disposable garment body.
[0132] First, fans will be described.
[0133] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a fan 1. The fan 1
includes a fan body FN11 and a cover CV11 that houses the fan body
FN11 (the cover CV11 including an air inlet 11, a cylindrical
linker 16, which is a linker having a cylindrical shape, a flange
12 that protrudes outward from a middle part of the cylindrical
linker 16, an air outlet 14 and a fan attacher 15). For example,
the fan attacher is constituted by a strong clip that is formed on
a bottom of the fan and that firmly pinches a belt body (described
later) so that an electric component is prevented from coming off
even in a strenuous movement.
[0134] For example, the fan body FN11, which includes a fan blade
(propeller fan) and a motor for rotating the fan blade, is housed
in the cover CV11. In the cover CV11, the cylindrical linker 16 is
formed between the air inlet 11 and the air outlet 14 that are
opposed to each other, and the fan attacher 15 is provided at the
air outlet 14.
[0135] The cylindrical linker 16 is fitted in a fan opening 53 of
the garment body of the air-conditioned garment so as to serve as a
fan-side linker for linking the fan 1 to the garment body.
[0136] The flange 12 is disposed between the cylindrical linker 16
and the air outlet 14. Further, a ring groove 161 is formed in the
outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical linker 16 above
the flange.
[0137] Next, the electric component attaching belt 2 as a mounter
will be described.
[0138] FIG. 2A is a schematic front view of the electric component
attaching belt 2. A belt body (mounter) 21 has roughly the same
structure as a belt for pants, and an attachment adjuster 23 is
provided for attaching and adjusting the belt body at a side of the
body. For example, the electric component attaching belt 2 is a
belt having a width of approximately 6 cm, which includes a fixture
(not shown) for power cables in a suitable position.
[0139] FIG. 2B and FIG. 2C are a schematic front view and a
schematic side view of the electric component attaching belt 2 with
the fans 1 and the power supply 3 (electric component mounting unit
100 for air-conditioned garment). The power supply 3 is attached at
the center by a clip as a power supply attacher 31, the power
supply 3 is connected to the fans 1 by power cables 4, and the fans
1 are attached by clips as fan attacher 15. All electric components
are collectively attached to the electric component attaching belt
2.
[0140] Next, the disposable garment body will be described.
[0141] In the embodiment, the garment body is made from an existing
45-L polyethylene bag (hereinafter referred to as a poly bag)
[0142] For example, a transparent 45-L poly bag with a size of 65
cm wide, 80 cm long and 0.02 mm thick is used.
[0143] FIG. 3 is a schematic front view of the garment body 5 with
a sealed side up, in which the dashed line represents the 45-L poly
bag itself, and the solid line represents the garment body that is
formed by the following steps 1 to 3 of cutting and opening.
[0144] 1. Cut out cloths 51 and a neck 52 to form into the shape of
a tank top.
[0145] 2. Form fan openings 53 at both lower sides (15 cm apart
from the center) of a belly part, which have a circular shape with
a diameter that is slightly less than the diameter of the
cylindrical linkers 16 of the fans 1.
[0146] 3. Form a hem cord guide 54 at a hem.
[0147] The difference between fan attaching holes of conventional
air-conditioned garment and the fan openings of the embodiment will
be described. In the conventional air-conditioned garment, the fans
are attached to the garment body. Accordingly, it is necessary to
sufficiently reinforce the attaching holes for the fans 1 as
described above.
[0148] In contrast, in the present invention, the fans 1 are
attached to the electric component attaching belt 2. Since no force
acts between the fans 1 and the garment body 5, it is only
necessary to simply form the openings in the embodiment. That is,
it is possible to provide the electric component mounting unit 100
for air-conditioned garment that does not require special attaching
holes for attaching the fans 1 to the garment body 5 and that can
perfectly prevent the electric components from falling.
[0149] Next, a preparation for rent will be described.
[0150] The electric component attaching belt 2 (electric component
mounting unit 100 for air-conditioned garment) with the two fans 1,
the power supply 3 and the power cables 4 integrated thereon and
the garment body 5 with a cord attached to the hem cord guide 54
are rented.
[0151] Next, a procedure for the use by a user will be
described.
[0152] First, the electric component attaching belt 2 (electric
component mounting unit 100 for air-conditioned garment) is worn
around the body, and then the garment body 5 is put on.
[0153] Then, the fan openings 53 are fitted on the cylindrical
linker 16 from the outer side of the fans 1, edges of the fan
openings 53 are put into the grooves 161 above the flanges 12, and
the edges of the fan openings 53 are linked to the cylindrical
linkers 16 of the fans so that they are proximate to the upper
faces of the flanges 12. Since polyethylene film is stretchable
material, they are readily linked.
[0154] FIG. 4 is an explanatory view illustrating the relationship
between the fans 1 and the fan openings 53.
[0155] After the edges of the fan openings 53 of the garment body 5
are fitted on the cylindrical linkers 16, they are put into the
small grooves 161 that are formed in the cylindrical linkers 16 and
have a smaller diameter than the outer circumferential surface of
the cylindrical linkers 16 as illustrated in FIG. 4. Accordingly,
the edges are secured, and the garment body 5 and the fans 1 are
thus linked to each other. In this case, the cylindrical linkers 16
of the fans 1 serve as fan-side linkers.
[0156] Finally, the cord in the hem cord guide 54 is tightened with
a cord stopper (not shown), and the power supply 3 is operated to
drive the fans 1.
[0157] FIG. 5 is a schematic front view of the electric component
attaching belt 2 (electric component mounting unit 100 for
air-conditioned garment) and the garment body 5 in use, which are
worn over a polka-dot T-shirt TS51.
[0158] When the cord in the hem cord guide 54 is tightened (air
leakage preventing means), the air taken in by the fans 1 is blown
into the garment body 5 without leakage through the hem so as to
generate a positive pressure between the garment body 5 and the
inner T-shirt TS51. An air pathway is thus automatically formed,
and the air moves upward toward the neck and the arms (which serve
as air discharging portions) and is discharged. That is, the air in
the garment body 5 is ventilated.
[0159] The cooling effect by the air flow and evaporation of sweat
by the air flow is the same as that of conventional air-conditioned
garment.
[0160] Since the garment body 5 is made of polyethylene film, there
is no air leakage through the garment body 5, which is inevitable
in conventional air-conditioned garment. Further, since the garment
body 5 is transparent, only the fans 1, the power supply 3 and the
power cables 4 are visible. Since the polka-dot T-shirt TS51 is
visible through the garment body 5 in the other part, a feeling of
strangeness about the outer appearance is greatly reduced.
[0161] In the above-described production method, the garment body
is made from an existing 45-L poly bag. However, it is, of course,
more reasonable to produce the garment body 5 for the
air-conditioned garment from scratch.
[0162] In the air-conditioned garment of the first embodiment, the
electric component attaching belt 2 is used, and the fans 1 are
fixed on the electric component attaching belt 2. Since the garment
body 5 is not subjected to a load, not only the above-described
"problems" are solved, but also the garment body itself has the
following advantageous effects compared to the conventional
air-conditioned garment.
[0163] 1. Since the weight of the fans 1 is not applied to the fan
openings 53 of the garment body 5 at all, it is not necessary to
reinforce the fan openings 53.
[0164] 2. Since it is not necessary to reinforce the fan openings
53, it is possible to employ plastic film with a thickness of 0.05
mm or less as the material of the garment body 5.
[0165] Variation
[0166] An electric component mounting unit 100a for air-conditioned
garment that can be used with a variety of garment bodies will be
described.
[0167] FIG. 6 is a schematic side view of a fan 1a of the
variation.
[0168] In the variation, at a cylindrical linker 16, as illustrated
in FIG. 6, a fan body (not shown) is housed inside the cover. In
the cover, a cylindrical linker 16 is formed between an air inlet
11 and an air outlet 14 that are opposed to each other, and a fan
attacher 15 is provided at the air outlet 14. On the outer
circumferential surface of the cylindrical linker 16, an upper
flange 121 and a lower flange 122 are formed respectively in the
upper and the lower parts thereof. Accordingly, a ring groove 161
is formed between the upper flange 121 and the lower flange 122. In
the fans 1 of the first embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 1, the
part above the groove 161 of the cylindrical linker 16 can be
regarded as an upper flange 121.
[0169] The cylindrical linker 16 is inserted in a fan opening 53 of
a garment body of air-conditioned garment to serve as a fan-side
linker for linking the fan 1 to the garment body.
[0170] For example, a fan attacher 15 is constituted by a flat
through hole (e.g. flat hole with a width of 26 mm) for receiving a
belt body 2a as a movable means. In this case, the fan 1 is movable
on the belt body 2a. However, the fan 1 does not come off even when
it is moved on the belt body 2a during use. Accordingly, the fan 1
can be regarded to be substantially fixed on the belt body 2a.
[0171] FIG. 7 is a schematic side view of an assembled electric
component attaching belt 2a. The electric component attaching belt
2a is approximately the same as the belt of the first embodiment.
However, the width is less than the width of the electric component
attaching belt 2, e.g. 25 mm.
[0172] Next, a method of assembling the electric component
attaching belt 2a will be described.
[0173] FIG. 7 is a schematic side view of the assembled electric
component attaching belt 2a (electric component mounting unit 100a
of air-conditioned garment).
[0174] The end without an attachment adjuster 23 of the belt body
2a is inserted into the flat through holes, which serve as fan
attacher 15 of the fans 1a, and the fans 1 are moved to the left or
right (e.g. 15 cm to the left or right) from the part corresponding
to the center of the abdomen.
[0175] Then, a power supply 3 is attached at the middle, and power
cables 4 are connected to the fans 1a and the power supply 3. Since
the assembled electric component attaching belt 2a (electric
component mounting unit 100a for air-conditioned garment) has the
above-described configuration, the fans 1a can be moved to the
right or left. That is, the electric component attaching belt 2a
can be used with a variety of garment bodies 5 that have different
distances between fan openings 53 of the garment bodies 5.
[0176] Next, the following is a case of using the electric
component attaching belt 2a of the variation and the garment body
5a that is a jacket made of thin polyvinyl chloride. With regard to
the shape, the garment body 5a has a similar structure to a
conventional jacket garment body 110, but only the fan openings 53
are different as follows.
[0177] 1. The fan openings 53 are open to the front side.
[0178] 2. Instead of reinforcement as in conventional attaching
holes, elastic rings, specifically rubber bands (elastic rings 6a),
are provided at the inner edges of the fan openings 53.
[0179] FIG. 8 is an explanatory view illustrating the relationship
between the cylindrical linkers 16 of the fans 1a and the edges of
the fan openings 53.
[0180] After the edges of the fan openings 53 of the garment body
5a are fitted on the cylindrical linkers 16, they are put into the
grooves 161, a part of the cylindrical linkers 16, through the
upper flanges 121 as illustrated in FIG. 8. Accordingly, the edges
are secured, the garment body 5 and the fans 1 are thus linked to
each other. In this case, the cylindrical linkers 16 of the fans 1
serve as fan-side linkers.
[0181] The lower flanges 122 that are formed below the grooves 161
can prevent the edges of the fan openings 53 from moving further
downward.
[0182] The electric component attaching belt 2a and the garment
body 5a are produced as described above. Accordingly, after the
electric component attaching belt 2a is worn around the body and
the garment body 5a is put on, the lateral position of the fans 1a
is roughly adjusted before a front zipper is closed.
[0183] Then, the fan openings 53 are fitted onto the cylindrical
linkers of the fans 1a beyond the upper flanges 121 so that the
edges with the elastic rings 6a of the fan openings 53 are put into
the ring grooves. Thereafter, the zipper is closed, and the lateral
position of the fans 1a is finely adjusted if necessary.
[0184] The technique that allows the edges of the fan openings 53
to be put into the ring grooves beyond the upper flanges 121 is not
limited to providing the elastic rings at the inner edges of the
fan openings 53. However, the fan openings 53 have to be
stretchable or the like. Another technique of imparting
stretchability is to use a stretchable sheet material for the sheet
around the fan openings 53.
Second Embodiment
[0185] In the electric component mounting unit 100, 100a for
air-conditioned garment of the first embodiment and the variation
thereof, the fans, the power cables and the power supply are
attached on the belt body. In the second embodiment, electric
components themselves serve as a part of belt bodies 21, 21a. In
the following description of this embodiment and the variation
thereof, an electric component mounting unit for air-conditioned
garment is also referred to simply as an air-conditioning unit.
[0186] FIG. 9 is a schematic side view of a fan, FIG. 10 is a
schematic front view of a power supply, FIG. 11A is a schematic
view of a terminal of a power cable and a terminal of the power
supply that are not connected to each other, FIG. 11B is a
schematic view of the terminal of the power cable and the terminal
of the power supply that are connected to each other.
[0187] As illustrated in FIG. 11A, the terminal (plug) k11 of the
power cable 4 includes two fitting springs k12 with fitting walls
k13 respectively at the upper and the lower parts, which serve as a
male fitting (connector) k1 for mechanical fitting with the power
supply 3. The terminal (jack) k21 of the power supply 3 includes
fitting walls k22 respectively at the upper and lower parts for
fitting with the fitting walls k13, which serve as a female fitting
(connector) k2. With this configuration, once a user pinches the
fitting springs k12 with the thumb and the index finger to reduce
the gap between two fitting walls k13, inserts the plug k11 into
the jack k21 and then releases the fingers, the fitting walls k13
fit with the fitting walls k22 as illustrated in FIG. 11B, and the
power cable 4 becomes undetachable from the power supply 3 even
when a force of separating the power cable 4 from the power supply
3 is applied. Terminals for connecting the fans 1b with the power
cables have the same configuration. Specifically, the same female
fittings k2 as those of the power supply 3 are formed at lower
right parts of the fans 1b as illustrated in FIG. 9. Further, hooks
k5 for connection with a waist belt k3 (described below) are formed
at lower left parts of the fans 1b. The technique of firmly
connecting the power supply and the fans with the power cable is
not limited to the above-described technique, and various general
techniques may be used.
[0188] FIG. 12 is an overall front view of the air-conditioning
unit. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the right and left fans 1b are
electrically and mechanically connected to the power supply 3 by
the power cables 4, and a hook k5 of the left fan 1b is connected
to an end of the waist belt k3, and a hook k31 is formed at the
other end of the waist belt k3 which can be connected to a hook k5
of the right fan 1b. Further, hooks k5 are formed at both sides of
the power supply 3 which are connected to a neck belt k4.
[0189] FIG. 13 is a schematic front view of the air-conditioning
unit that is mounted on the body. As illustrated in FIG. 13, the
neck belt k4 is hung on the neck, and the hook k31 of the waist
belt k3 with an adjuster k32 is connected to the hook k5 of the
right fan 1b, so that the air-conditioning unit is mounted on the
body. The neck belt k4 can bear a part of the weight of the power
supply 3. Needless to say, the neck belt k4 is not essential. Even
when the weight of the power supply 3 is partly supported, it is
not necessary to hang it on the neck. Instead, a variety of
techniques can be employed such as supporting it with the
cloth.
[0190] As illustrated in FIG. 13, when the air-conditioning unit is
worn, the electric components, i.e. the fans 1b, the power cables 4
and the power supply 3, themselves serve as apart of the belt body
21. Further, since the power cables 4 are connected to the fans 1b
and the power supply 3 by the technique as illustrated in FIG. 11,
the connection is not broken even when the air-conditioning unit is
subjected to a considerable force. To release the connection, the
user can pinch and pull the fitting springs k12 with the fingers.
The parts of the power supply 3 that are connected to the power
cables 4, which are around the right and left terminals k21, can be
regarded as power supply attacher 31. The parts of the fans 1b that
are connected to the power cable 4, which are around the terminals
k11, and the hooks k5 of the fans 1b can be regarded as fan
attacher 15.
[0191] FIG. 14 is a schematic view of garment worn on a user and
the fans 1b and the fan openings 53 that are connected to each
other. The technique of linking the fans 1b to the fan openings 53
is the same as that of the first embodiment.
Third Embodiment
[0192] A third embodiment is a large electric component mounting
unit 100b for air-conditioned garment with a single large fan
having large air volume and long continuous operation time.
[0193] FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B are a schematic front view and a
schematic side view of a unit 7 with a large fan and a large power
supply according to the third embodiment.
[0194] In the unit 7, the large fan (not shown) and the large
capacity power supply 71 are integrally housed. The unit 7 includes
an air inlet 72, an air outlet 73, a cylindrical linker 74, a
flange 75, a unit fixture 76 (described below), a ring groove 77
and an inclined guide 78.
[0195] The large fan (not shown) and the large capacity power
supply 71 are housed in a cover. In the cover, the air inlet 72 is
formed in a top surface, and the air outlet 73 is formed in a side
surface of the cover at a part lower than the center.
[0196] The flange 75 is formed at the center part of the side
surface of the cover, and the cylindrical linker is disposed above
the flange 75. The cylindrical linker 74 can be regarded as a
fan-side linker. The groove 77 is formed in the outer peripheral
face of the cylindrical linker 74 near the flange 75. The inclined
guide 78 is provided at an upper end of the cylindrical linker 74,
which has a tapered shape with an outer periphery decreasing toward
the upper end.
[0197] The unit fixture 76 (e.g. hooks formed at the four corners)
is formed in the side surface of the cover at a part lower than the
center, which are connected to four-pronged belts 79.
[0198] The fan and the power supply 71 may have any configuration
with regard to the arrangement in the unit 7 and the like, and the
unit 7 itself can be regarded as the fan that is integrated with
the power supply 71. The unit 7, which includes the air inlet 72,
the air outlet 73, the cylindrical linker 74, the flange 75 and the
unit fixture 76 corresponding to a fan attacher as described above,
has the same basic outer structure as the fans of the first and
second embodiments. In the following description, the fans 1, 1a,
1b of the first and second embodiments and the unit 7 of the third
embodiment are also referred to as a fan apparatus. Similarly, an
opening for a fan apparatus is referred to as a fan opening 53.
[0199] The inclined guide 78 is provided so that a fan opening 53
of a garment body 5c can be easily linked to the cylindrical linker
74 of the unit 7, which will be described later.
[0200] FIG. 16 is a schematic back view of the unit 7 mounted on
the back, FIG. 17 is a schematic back view in which the garment
body 5c with the large fan opening on a back part is further worn,
and FIG. 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the
line X-X in FIG: 17.
[0201] The garment body 5c, which is a jacket, has the fan opening
(not shown) with a stretchable elastic ring at the edge in a
position corresponding to the unit 7.
[0202] Next, a procedure for use will be described.
[0203] First, a user wears the unit 7 on his/her back like a school
backpack. He/she then wears the garment body 5c over the unit 7,
puts in his/her arms and pulls both sides of the garment-body 5c
forward. Then, the edge of the fan opening of the garment body 5c
is guided by the inclined guide 78 of the unit 7 to fit in the ring
groove 77 formed above the flange 75 so that the body portion
(cylindrical linker 74) of the unit 7 is linked to the fan opening.
The unit 7 may be mounted on the chest or the abdomen similarly
instead of the back.
[0204] To control the air volume and the like, a controller (not
shown) connected to the unit 7 by a cable may be used.
Alternatively, a remote or the like may be used for the
control.
[0205] In the third embodiment, the unit 7 is heavy particularly
since the power supply 71 has large capacity. However, since the
unit 7 is worn on the back like a school backpack, the user does
not feel the weight very much even when the capacity is
considerably large. Therefore, the unit 7 is very suitable for a
long and hard work.
[0206] In the third embodiment, explosion proofness may be
achievable by confining the motor and the power supply 71 in a
hermetic container and improving the airtightness between a
rotation shaft and a bearing for attaching a fan blade to a
motor.
[0207] It is not necessary to provide the cylindrical linker 74 all
over the side surface of the unit 7. It may be partly provided
corresponding to the air inlet 72.
[0208] Partly providing the cylindrical linker 74 can reduce the
size of the fan opening 53. Further, it is not necessary to house
the power supply in the cover. It may be hung below the cover or
disposed above the cover. In such cases, the hanging structure
itself can be regarded as a power supply fixture. Disposing the fan
and the power supply in the unit 7 requires some sort of fixture or
housing means, which is regarded as a fan fixture and a power
supply attacher.
[0209] The usage is not limited to mounting the unit 7 and
thereafter wearing the garment and linking the fan opening 53 to
the body portion of the unit 7. Instead, the fan opening 53 may be
linked to the body portion of the unit 7 beforehand, and the user
may put on the unit 7 that is attached to the garment body 5c and
thereafter put his/her arms in the sleeves of the garment body 5c
to wear the garment body 5c.
[0210] Variation
[0211] FIG. 19A is a schematic front view of an electric component
mounting plate 2b, which is a part of a mounter, and FIG. 19B is a
schematic side view thereof. As illustrated in FIG. 19, a vital
sensor (not shown) is provided on a bottom surface of the electric
component mounting plate 2b to measure body temperature and pulse,
and a circuit board 2b1 is provided on a front surface. Further, a
fan attacher 2b2 is formed for detachably attaching a fan, and
hooks 2b3 are formed at four corners for attaching a back belt
79.
[0212] FIG. 20 is a schematic front view of a power supply. FIG. 21
is a schematic side view of the fan. FIG. 22 is a schematic side
view of a unit in which the fan with the power supply is attached
to the electric component mounting plate 2b.
[0213] In the variation, the power supply 71a is constituted by
four lithium-ion batteries 71a2 that are disposed in a container
71a1 having a rectangular frame shape, which is attached to a side
surface of the fan 1c as illustrated in FIG. 20. The power supply
71a has a circular inner edge that contacts the cylindrical portion
of the fan 1c. Like the relationship between a fan and an attaching
ring of conventional air-conditioned garment (see JP 2015065998A),
the power supply 71a serves as an attaching ring, and the fan
opening is held between a lower surface of a flange 75 of the fan
1c and an upper surface of the power supply 71a. The fan 1c is
fixed on the electric component mounting plate 2b by a fan
attacher, and the fan opening is not subjected to a load. The
structure of the power supply 71a for attaching the power supply
71a to the fan is itself serves as a power supply attacher. It is
meaningful to form the power supply 71a in a rectangular frame
shape and to attach it on a cylindrical portion that surrounds a
fan blade FN11a since the power supply 71a does not interrupt air
flow from an air outlet 73 and an attaching space is secured.
[0214] Next, electric connection in the unit will be described. Two
electrodes (not shown) are disposed at the part of the cylindrical
portion of the fan 1c to which the power supply 71a is attached.
When the power supply 71a is attached to the fan 1c, two electrodes
(not shown) of the power supply 71a come in contact with the
electrodes at the cylindrical portions, so that the power supply
71a is connected to power supply bottom electrodes (not shown)
disposed on a bottom of the fan 1c via a duplex power cable (not
shown) attached to the fan 1c. Further, a motor FN11b is connected
to motor bottom electrodes (not shown) by a duplex power cable (not
shown).
[0215] When the fan 1c with the power supply 71a is attached to the
electric component mounting plate 2b, the power supply bottom
electrodes and the fan bottom electrodes come in contact with
corresponding electrodes (not shown) disposed on the circuit board
so that the electric power from the power supply 71a is converted
to a suitable voltage by a circuit provided on the circuit board
2b1 and then applied to the motor FN11b.
[0216] FIG. 23 is a circuit block diagram. The circuit board 2b1
includes a voltage converter circuit 2b11 for converting the
voltage of the power supply 71a and applying it to the motor FN11b
of the fan 1c based on an instruction of a controller circuit 2b12
and a communicator circuit 2b13 that sends information from the
vital sensor BS, a temperature and humidity sensor TS, etc. to an
external communication device (not shown) such as a smartphone and
receives an instruction from the external communication device.
That is, a suitable voltage is supplied to the motor FN11b based on
the temperature and the humidity of the taken air and the data from
the vital sensor BS. Alternatively, a suitable voltage can be
applied to the motor FN11b based on an instruction from the
outside.
[0217] Next, an example procedure of wearing the air-conditioned
garment of the variation will be described. FIG. 24A is a schematic
front view of the air-conditioned garment of the variation worn on
the body, and FIG. 24B is a schematic back view thereof. The fan
opening 53 is formed at a back part of the air-conditioned garment
body, and air discharging portions 130 are provided at various
parts of the garment body 5 as well as a neck part and arm parts as
illustrated in FIG. 24. A belt 79 is attached to the electric
component mounting plate 2b beforehand.
[0218] 1. Insert the fan is into the fan opening 53 from the outer
side.
[0219] 2. Fit the power supply 71a on the body portion of the fan
is from the inner side of the garment body 5 such that the edge of
the fan opening 53 is tucked in.
[0220] 3. Fixedly attach the fan 1c with the power supply 71a to
the electric component mounting plate 2b. The unit with the belt 79
and the garment body 5 is thus completed.
[0221] 4. Wear the unit on the back.
[0222] 5. Put in the arms to wear the garment and close the
zipper.
[0223] Next, a usage will be described. A relevant software is
installed in a smartphone as the external communication device.
[0224] When the air-conditioned garment is activated with the
smartphone, data is output and sent from the temperature and
humidity sensor TS and the vital sensor BS to the smartphone. Air
volume data calculated from the data is then sent to the unit, and
the voltage converter circuit 2b11 applies an electric power to the
motor FN11b of the fan 1c by a control of the controller circuit
2b12 based on the received air volume data.
[0225] In the variation, a normal finger guard is attached on the
air inlet of the fan. Instead of the finger guard, a variety of
optional parts as illustrated in FIG. 25A, FIG. 25B and FIG. 25C
may be attached.
[0226] FIG. 25A illustrates an optional container OP1 that is used
for the same purpose as the filter or the water-bearing sponge of
the fourth embodiment.
[0227] FIG. 25B is a rain cover OP2 that allows taking the outside
air from a lower side so that rain does not get in.
[0228] FIG. 25C is a container OP3 for storing dry ice pellet
(coolant) or the like.
[0229] As described above, the simple finger guard can be changed
to a container or the like according to an intended use. Further,
since the unit is worn on the back, it does not put a large burden
even when the weight of the container and the content thereof is
considerably heavy.
Fourth Embodiment
[0230] FIG. 26 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a unit 7b
according to a fourth embodiment.
[0231] An air-conditioned garment of the embodiment includes the
unit 7b as with the third embodiment 3. The difference from the
third embodiment is that an air inlet 72 expands over the entire
upper surface of the unit 7b, a functional space 721 for attaching
a dust filer 722 is defined immediately below the air inlet, and
the filter 722 is housed therein as illustrated in FIG. 26. In the
embodiment, the taken air is purified by removing dust and the like
with the filter 722 and then taken into the garment body.
[0232] Variation
[0233] An air-conditioned garment according to this variation is
intended to be used in an environment with very high outside
temperature and the dry air in which the air-conditioned garment
does not work only by the heat of vaporization of sweat. This
variation is a special air-conditioned garment that cools the air
to be taken into the air-conditioned garment by the heat of
vaporization of water.
[0234] FIG. 27 is a schematic front view of a water-bearing sponge
723 that serves as a water bearing means.
[0235] This variation is different from the fourth embodiment in
that the water-bearing sponge 723 is housed in the functional space
721 instead of the filter 722. For example, the water-bearing
sponge 723 is a 1-cm thick high water-absorptive sponge having
2.phi. pores all over the surface at an open rate of 50%. When the
wet water-bearing sponge 723 is housed in the functional space 721,
the air is taken in through the 2.phi. pores while a lot of water
is evaporated to cool the air by the heat of vaporization, and the
cooled air is introduced into the air-conditioned garment.
[0236] The method of using water and cooling the air by the heat of
vaporization of water is not limited to using the wet sponge. For
example, a mist generator may be provided in the functional space
so that mist is taken into the air-conditioned garment. In this
case, a water container may be disposed either in the functional
space or outside.
[0237] In the third and fourth embodiments and the variations
thereof, dust is removed with a filter, or the air is cooled by the
heat of vaporization of water. According to need, various types of
filters may be used to remove a specific substance or a harmful
substance, or the sponge may be impregnated with a deodorant or a
perfume. Further, a substance good for health may be taken into the
garment by other various methods.
[0238] As illustrated in the third and fourth embodiments and the
variations thereof, a variety of techniques can be used according
to need for an air improver for improving the air to be taken into
the garment (preventing rain from getting in is also an improvement
of the air). The air improver is not limited to those disposed on
an outer side of the fan for improving the air to be taken by the
fan as in the embodiments. The air that has taken in by the fan may
also be improved. Accordingly, the air improver is disposed around
the air inlet of the fan.
[0239] As described above, it is possible to completely prevent the
electric components from coming off by fixing the electric
components on the mounter. Further, this also allows increasing the
size or imparting a functionality, which is difficult in
conventional air-conditioned garment in which a fan is attached to
garment. Since the unit is in close contact with the body, it is
possible to readily attach a sensor for maintaining health (body
surface temperature, pulse and the like). Further, the data can be
sent to a work manager to detect a worker in poor health.
Fifth Embodiment
[0240] Next, an electric component mounting unit for
air-conditioned garment (air-conditioning unit) according to a
fifth embodiment will be described. The electric component mounting
unit for air-conditioned garment of this embodiment includes an
electric component attaching belt (mounter) 2 and fans 1d attached
to the electric component attaching belt 2. That is, compared to
the electric component mounting unit for air-conditioned garment of
the first embodiment, in which the power supply and the power
cables are attached to the electric component attaching belt 2 as
well as the fans, this embodiment is different in that the fans are
the only electric components that are attached to the electric
component attaching belt 2.
[0241] FIG. 28 is a schematic view of the electric component
attaching belt 2 of the electric component mounting unit for
air-conditioned garment according to the fifth embodiment. As
illustrated in FIG. 28, the electric component attaching belt 2 of
the embodiment includes a belt body 21, a pair of connecting
terminals 24 to be connected to each other and a cord lock (length
adjuster) 25. The belt 22, which is a main component of the belt
body 21 of the embodiment, is constituted by a non-elastic single
cord. The pair of connecting terminals 24 is disposed at the ends
of the cord. The cord lock 25 is provided to fix the cord at a
desired length so as to adjust the length of the cord.
[0242] To mount the electric component attaching belt 2 of the
embodiment on the waist, the cord or the belt body 21 is worn
around the body, and the connecting terminals 24 are connected to
each other.
[0243] Next, the fans 1d of the electric component mounting unit
for air-conditioned garment of the embodiment will be
described.
[0244] FIG. 29A is a schematic side view of a fan 1d of the
embodiment, FIG. 29B is a schematic back view thereof, and FIG. 29C
is a schematic back view of the fan 1d that is attached to the
cord.
[0245] As illustrated in FIG. 29A to FIG. 29C, the fan 1d includes
a main body 10 composed of a fan body and a cover for housing the
fan body, a cylindrical attaching cylinder 17 that is detachably
attached to the main body 10 and a fan attacher 15 for slidably
attaching the fan to the above-described cord. The attaching
cylinder 17 is provided to fix the fan 1d that is attached to a fan
opening 53 of a garment body 5. Specifically, as illustrated in
FIG. 29A, the attaching cylinder 17 is attached to the main body 10
to cover the side surface of the main body 10 so that the edge of
the fan opening 53 is held between a flange 12 at an upper part of
the main body and the attaching cylinder 17. The fan 1d is thus
fixed to the fan opening 53.
[0246] The fan attacher 15, which is disposed at a lower part of
the main body 10, includes .OMEGA.-shaped metal fittings (not
shown) having a spring characteristic at contacting ends. The metal
fittings are configured such that they can be readily manually
attached or detached to a cord in a slidable manner but does not
readily detach on their own. Accordingly, the fan attacher 15 is
attached to the electric component attaching belt 2 in a movable
manner in the longitudinal direction of the cord. Further, the fan
attacher 15 is attached to the electric component attaching belt 2
in a slidable manner on the electric component attaching belt 2.
Since this structure of the fan attacher 15 can be readily achieved
by a variety of methods using the spring characteristic of the
metal fittings, the detail description thereof is omitted. Instead
of the metal fittings, .OMEGA.-shaped plastic molded parts having a
spring characteristic may be used.
[0247] Next, a usage of air-conditioned garment with the electric
component mounting unit for air-conditioned garment of the
embodiment is described. FIG. 30 is a schematic front view of the
air-conditioned garment with the front part open, to which the
electric component mounting unit for air-conditioned garment of the
embodiment is attached.
[0248] First, the two fans 1d, 1d are attached to the fan openings
53 of the garment body 5. As described above, the edges of the fan
openings 53 are held between the flanges 12 at the upper parts of
the main bodies 10 and the attaching cylinders 17 so that the fans
1d are fixed to the fan openings 53. That is, the flanges 12 and
the attaching cylinders 17 of the fans 1d serve as fan-side
linkers. The attaching method is disclosed in detail in Japanese
patent application No. 2016-508371, and the description thereof is
omitted.
[0249] Then, the fans 1d is connected to a power supply (not shown)
by power cables (not shown).
[0250] Then, as illustrated in FIG. 29C and FIG. 30, the cord is
attached to the fan attacher 15 of the fans 1d, and the garment
body 5 is worn. The pair of connecting terminals 24 of the cord is
connected to each other so that the electric component attaching
belt 2 is mounted around the waist. In this step, the length of the
cord is adjusted with the cord lock 25 according to need.
[0251] Then, a zipper 58 at the front part of the garment body 5 is
closed. The fans 1d are driven to take the outside air into the
garment.
Sixth Embodiment
[0252] Next, an air-conditioned garment according to a sixth
embodiment will be described.
[0253] FIG. 31A is a schematic front view of a garment body 5 of
air-conditioned garment according to this embodiment, and FIG. 31B
is a schematic cross-sectional view of the garment body 5 with fans
1d that is worn on the body, taken at the waist where the fans 1d
are mounted.
[0254] In the fifth embodiment, metal fittings as the fan attacher
15 are provided at the right and left sides of the main bodies 10
of the fans 1d, and the cord is put through the metal fittings. In
contrast, in this embodiment, cord guides 59 are provided to a
cloth 51 near the right and left sides of fans 1d instead of
providing metal fittings to the fans 1d, and a single cord (rubber
cord) that serves as a main body of the belt 22 is put through the
cord guides 59 as illustrated in FIG. 31A. Pillar portions of air
outlets of the fans 1d are linked to the cord by hooks (not shown).
The ends of the cord are sawn on near a zipper of the garment body
5 via gap securing means 57. That is, the cord does not directly
make the fans 1d in close contact with the body, but it presses the
fans 1d against the body in an approximately perpendicular
direction via the cloth 51 so as to make the fans 1d in close
contact with the body. That is, the cord is entirely incorporated
in the garment, and it is possible to use conventional fans without
any change.
[0255] With this configuration, the fans 1d come in close contact
with the body when the zipper 58 of the garment body 5 is closed as
illustrated in FIG. 31B. Further, since the fans 1d are pressed
against the body (body BD), it is possible to reduce the force of
tightening the cord around the body. When a rubber cord is used in
all or a part of the cord, it is not always necessary to adjust the
length of the cord since it can adapt to different body sizes.
[0256] The pillar portions of the air outlets of the fans 1d are
linked to the cord by the hooks (not shown). This can prevent the
fans 1d from falling when the fans 1d come off from the garment
body 5. In this configuration, the fans 1d are linked to the cord
via the hooks or the like, and the mechanism that links the fans 1d
to the cord can be regarded as a fan attacher. The technique of
attaching the fans 1d to the cord is not limited to the method
using the hooks, and a variety of general techiniques can be
used.
[0257] As described above, in the electric component mounting unit
for air-conditioned garment of the first, second, fifth or sixth
embodiment, since the fans are attached to the electric component
attaching belt mounted on the body of a user, the portion where the
fans are attached does not billow when it is used with
air-conditioned garment so that the pressure in the air-conditioned
garment becomes positive. Therefore, a variety of problems that are
caused by the billowing fan portion (e.g. disturbing a work of a
user who wears the air-conditioned garment) can be avoided.
[0258] In conventional air-conditioned garment, fans are hung on a
garment body. In contrast, the fans are in close contact with the
body in the air-conditioned garment with the electric component
mounting unit for air-conditioned garment of the embodiments, which
produces the following advantageous effects.
[0259] 1. Even when the fans are subjected to an external force,
the fan apparatuses is not moved much since they are in close
contact with the body. Since components in the fans are not
subjected to a large impact force, it is possible to use
inexpensive components that are not resistant to a large impact
force. Further, since an external force applied, to the fans is
absorbed by the body, it is possible to use an inexpensive material
for the structural members of the fans.
[0260] 2. It is only necessary to get the electric component
mounting unit for air-conditioned garment, and a user's own cloth
can be readily formed into the garment body of the air-conditioned
garment. This can accelerate spread of the air-conditioned garment
and promote realization of eco-friendly society.
[0261] In the fifth embodiment, a single non-stretchable cord is
used as the belt body. Further, in the sixth embodiment, a single
rubber cord is used. However, a plurality of cords, one or more
bands, or a combination of one or more cords and one or more bands
may be used as a part or all of the belt of the fifth or sixth
embodiment. Particularly in the sixth embodiment, a variety of
combinations may be employed. For example, the cord guides may be
provided near the upper and lower sides of the fan openings, and
two cords may be provided near the fans.
[0262] By using a rubber cord or the like in a part of all of the
cord to impart elasticity, it is possible to omit the cord lock for
adjusting the length of the cord.
[0263] The ends of the belt body may be attached near the zipper
without using any connecting terminal. Instead of sewing, hooks or
the like may be attached to the ends of the belt body, and engaging
means that engages with the hooks or the like may be provided near
the zipper, so that the belt body can be detachably attached to the
garment body. The attaching position is not limited to the vicinity
of the zipper but may be anywhere at least in the front part of the
garment body. In this case, the portion from the part where one end
of the cord is attached to the part where the other end of the cord
is attached, including the zipper (fastener), can be regarded as a
part of the belt body. When the ends of the cord are attached to
the front part of the garment body, the fans are mounted by wearing
the garment and closing the zipper.
[0264] In the first, fifth or sixth embodiment, the fans can be
attached to the fan openings from the inner side of the garment.
Therefore, the fans and the power cables 4 may be directly
connected and integrated with each other as illustrated in FIG. 32.
Integrating the fans with the cables and eliminating terminals can
eliminate the occurrence of bad connection and reduce the cost.
[0265] In third or fourth embodiment, the electric component
mounting unit for air-conditioned garment and all electric
components are integrated with each other as the unit. Further, in
the first, second fifth and sixth embodiment, the fans are attached
on the belt body of the mounter. Therefore, even when the fans come
off from the garment body, they do not fall. Further, the fans are
supported by the belt body. This can prevent the weight of the fans
from being applied to the garment body, which can improve the
comfort of the air-conditioned garment.
[0266] In the electric component mounting unit for air-conditioned
garment of the fifth embodiment or the sixth embodiment, the fans
are slidably attached on the belt. Even when the fan openings are
misaligned, the fans can be readily attached to the fan openings by
sliding the fans. In the fifth embodiment, it is possible to adjust
the length of the electric component attaching belt since the cord
lock is provided. Further, in the sixth embodiment, it is possible
to closely contact the fans with the body at suitable pressure
since the belt is elastic.
[0267] In the electric component mounting unit for air-conditioned
garment according to any of the first to fifth embodiments, the
garment body mainly made of a sheet material can be separated from
the electric components that are made of completely different
materials from the sheet material. Accordingly, it is not necessary
to consider the relationship between the garment body and the
electric components. Therefore, the garment body and the unit of
the electric components can be reasonably designed and produced
respectively as a garment article and an electric product. This
allows reduction of the cost and improvement of the performance and
the usability.
[0268] In the first and second embodiment, the electric components
are mounted on the body by tightening the electric component
attaching belt around the waist. Instead, for example, they may be
mounted on the body by hanging them around the shoulder or the
neck.
[0269] In the embodiments, the garment body is an upper garment
that is worn on the upper body. The garment body may also cover the
lower body like an overall or a winter coat. In this case, the air
leakage preventing means at the sleeves is not always
necessary.
[0270] Specific examples of the power supply that can be used
include primary cells, secondary cells and fuel cells. When a solar
cell (solar panel) is used, the solar panel cannot be housed in the
power supply, but a means for utilizing or storing electricity
generated by the solar panel corresponds to the power supply.
[0271] The shape of the fans is not limited to a circular shape.
For example, the fans are not limited to a so-called propeller fan
but may also be constituted by a multiblade fan (sirocco fan) or
the like. Depending on the shape or the like of the fans, the air
inlets are not limited to those with an opening in a top
surface.
[0272] In the embodiments, two fans disposed at the right and left
or a single large fan is used. However, the number of fans may be
two or more.
[0273] A communicator may be provided in the power supply or the
like, and the ON/OFF and/or the rotation speed of the fans may be
controlled, for example, according to an instruction received from
an application of an external apparatus such as a smartphone.
[0274] A measure for measuring a vital sign such as body
temperature or pulse may be provided, and the ON/OFF and/or the
rotation speed of the fans may be controlled based on a measurement
result of the measure. Further, the communicator may be controlled
to send a measurement result of the measure to the outside.
[0275] Further, a measurement result of the measure may be sent to
a smartphone, which is an external apparatus, and the ON/OFF and/or
the rotation speed of the fans may be controlled according to an
instruction of an application of a smartphone based on the
measurement result
[0276] The fifth embodiment and the sixth embodiment illustrate an
example in which the fans 1d are slidably attached to the electric
component attaching belt 2. However, it is not always necessary to
slidably attach the fans 1d. For example, as illustrated in FIG.
33, cords of the belt body 21 may be tied to both sides of the fans
1d to constitute the electric component attaching belt 2. That is,
the fans 1d can be regarded as a part of the electric component
attaching belt 2 in this case.
[0277] The fifth embodiment illustrates an example in which the
fans 1d are slidably attached to the electric component attaching
belt 2. The method of attaching the fans 1d to the electric
component attaching belt 2 in a slidable manner is not limited to
those in the embodiments, and a variety of general methods can be
employed instead.
[0278] The position of the fans 1d may be suitably changed. They
may be disposed in the front part of the garment body 5 instead of
the back part. In this case, the fans 1b do not disturb a user when
he/she sits on a chair or a car seat. Further, a spacer disclosed
in JP 4067034B may be disposed on an inner side of a back part of
the garment to secure an air pathway between the garment and the
back even when the user leans on aback of the chair.
[0279] The fifth embodiment and the sixth embodiment illustrate an
example in which the fans are the only electric components attached
to the electric component attaching belt 2. However, the power
supply (power source), which is an electric component, may also be
attached on the electric component attaching belt 2 in order to
prevent it from falling.
[0280] In the embodiments, a mechanism for adjusting the air
discharging resistance may be provided to the air outlet. For
example, when the garment body is a half-sleeve garment, the
opening of the half sleeves may be adjustable with buttons B (e.g.
snap buttons) disposed at the ends of the sleeves as illustrated in
FIG. 34A in order to optimize the proportion of air discharge,
which depends on the relationship between the size of the arms and
sleeves. Further, to secure the amount of air discharged from a
back neck part, a slack may be formed in a rectangular area R near
the back neck part, or a spacer may be provided in the rectangular
area R as illustrated in FIG. 34B. The mechanism of adjusting the
air discharging resistance of air discharging portion is not
limited thereto, and a variety of general techniques may be
used.
[0281] The present invention is not limited to these embodiments,
and a various improvements and design changes can be made without
departing from the features of the present invention.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0282] The present invention is suitably applicable in the field of
production of air-conditioned garment.
REFERENCE SIGNS LIST
[0283] 100, 100a, 100b, 100c Electric component mounting unit for
air-conditioned garment
[0284] 1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d Fan
[0285] 10 Main body
[0286] 11 Air inlet
[0287] 12 Flange
[0288] 121 Upper flange
[0289] 122 Lower flange
[0290] 14 Air outlet
[0291] 15 Fan attacher
[0292] 16 Cylindrical linker (fan-side linker)
[0293] 161 Groove
[0294] 17 Attaching cylinder
[0295] 2, 2a Electric component attaching belt (mounter)
[0296] 21, 21a Belt body (mounter)
[0297] 22 Belt
[0298] 23 Attachment adjuster
[0299] 24 Connecting terminal
[0300] 25 Cord lock (length adjuster)
[0301] 3 Power supply
[0302] 31 Power supply attacher
[0303] 4 Power cable
[0304] 5, 5a, 5c, 5d Garment body
[0305] 51 Cloth
[0306] 52 Neck
[0307] 53 Fan opening
[0308] 54 Hem cord guide
[0309] 57 Gap securing means
[0310] 58 Fastener (zipper)
[0311] 59 Cord guide
[0312] 6, 6a Elastic ring (linking aid)
[0313] 7, 7a, 7b Unit
[0314] 71 Power supply
[0315] 72 Air inlet
[0316] 721 Functional space
[0317] 722 Filter
[0318] 723 Water-bearing sponge (water bearing means)
[0319] 73 Air outlet
[0320] 74 cylindrical linker (linker)
[0321] 75 Flange
[0322] 76 Unit fixture
[0323] 77 Groove
[0324] 78 Inclined guide
[0325] 79 Belt (mounter)
[0326] 101 Air-conditioned garment
[0327] 110 Garment body
[0328] 130 Air discharging portion
[0329] 140 Fan
[0330] k1 male fitting
[0331] k11 Plug
[0332] k12 Fitting spring
[0333] k13 Fitting wall
[0334] k2 female fitting
[0335] k21 Jack
[0336] k22 Fitting wall
[0337] k3 Waist belt
[0338] k4 Neck belt
[0339] k5 Hook
[0340] 2b Electric component mounting plate
[0341] 2b1 Circuit board
[0342] 2b2 Fan attacher
[0343] 2b3 Hook
[0344] FN11 Fan body
[0345] CV11 Cover
* * * * *